Been through it with two dogs. My childhood chihuahua was so old, and she got disoriented and distressed over nothing. She was more scared than happy and we had to make that choice when I was 16. It was really sad but she had no clue what was happening.

Three years ago we had to let our German Shepard mix go over the rainbow bridge. She was not old and we weren't prepared for it really. She got a nasty, quick moving cancer and while she was there cognitively my brother had to carry her outside and up the steps. It was devastating, but again, she had no quality of life by that point. We were carrying her around and she could only limp to the bathroom.

It's hard but it's probably time based on what you're saying. With Karley our vet let us all be with her, we didn't want to do it at home, but some vets will. They made us plaster molds of her paws and we made a shadow box with those and her collar. She was really calm and not afraid, we took pictures with her and said goodbye. Ask your vet how they handle it, I'm sure every place is different but we've had the same one for years.

I think it's time. I'm so sorry. Dogs can rely on that keen sense of smell to help guide them when the sight and hearing go, but if the little fella has trouble walking....it might be time. Especially if he is in pain from the disc problem. I have had to go through this twice in my adult years, and right now I have 5 dogs. I know how painful it is.

Never ask more of the little guy when he has already given all he has to give.

He has been a precious gift and your little companion, so please don't ask too much more of him. The kindest thing you can do to show your love for him is to let him go peacefully now. Yes, look up the Rainbow Bridge poem online and cry your heart out. Also maybe try to visualize that day when you will meet again. I did that to help get me through. I was blessed to have my dogs for 14 and 16 years and I never would have asked for more from them.

My pack is now 5 and under and SDog is 10. Sending you hugs tonight. It gets easier but it takes a long time.

~ Moon

I have put down many pets. The question I ask myself is am I keeping him alive for me or him? Most will let you know when it is time. Just sit with him for awhile and see what kind of feeling you get.

As far as the process itself, all vets do it a little different. The first thing you have to decide is if you want to be with him or not. You can say your goodby in the waiting room and not be involved at all. You can stay with him up to the point that they give the final injection - you can leave before he is gone. Or, you can stay through the whole thing. I always hold them so they pass away in my arms - but you need to do what is right for you. If you think you are going to really lose it you might not want to stay as it will stress your dog.

The first thing the vet will do is shave a spot on the leg and start an iv. Some vets do this in front of you and some in a back room - then bring him to you. My old vet used a tranquilizer that put the dog almost unconscious pretty quick. Then he injected the drug that actually stopped the heart - it took a couple of minutes at most.

My current vet uses a different tranquilizer - it takes several minutes to work. The final drug he uses works very quickly.

The vet will check with a stethoscope to make sure he is dead. He will go limp. (Sometimes they will lose control of their bowls and bladder.)

In my experience the process is fairly quick and pain free. I always hold them and talk to them right up to the end. It seems to help. I have never had an animal fight the process - I always get the feeling they are ready to go and am glad I am helping.

You will need to decide what to do with the body. My vet will take care of it by sending the body to be cremated. The crematory will send the ashes if you want them. You can also take the body yourself and bury them.

I am so sorry you are going through this. It is very difficult. Know you are doing the right thing by helping him to the other side. Google "Rainbow Bridge" - it is a wonderful poem about dogs going to heaven.

I know how difficult this decision is but it is time to let him go. The longer this goes on, the more he suffers.

I kept a beloved cat around about two weeks longer than I should have, for me, not for her. I wish I could go back in time and end her suffering much sooner.

Hugs and much love for this difficult time ahead.

Hugs and prayers of support through this very tough time.

I too am in this situation. I have an elderly cat who is going down hill. She is my baby and I don't want her to suffer. Almost there, when she stops eating that'll be my sign. I've changed her to soft food and I have to stand over her to encourage her to eat.

oh no....

so sorry op. we all feel for you. please let us know what your plans are. i'm glad the li'l guy has had a full, wonderful life with you.

It is time. I am sorry, it is a tough thing to go through.

I was in a similar situation a few years ago. I didn't know whether or not to take my beloved Sheltie in. One night, I sat and held him and said that I didn't know what to do. I didn't know whether to let him go. I cried and told him I was sorry that I couldn't figure this out.

He made the decision for me by passing away in the middle of the night that night. I am still crying for him as I type this out.

HolyShootskey, I hope you're hanging in there. Please check in with us, we're here for you.

Big Hugs.

~ Moon